When researchers use surveys or opinion polls to gather data, what is that process called?

Surveys and opinion polls are methods employed to gather information based on the responses of individuals regarding their opinions, behaviors, or characteristics. This process aligns with an observational study, as it involves collecting data without manipulating any variables or introducing any experimental conditions. Researchers observe and record participants' responses to understand patterns or trends in the data.

In observational studies, the focus is on gathering data in a natural setting to capture real-world phenomena as they occur. This contrasts with experimental studies, where researchers actively intervene and control conditions to observe outcomes. Descriptive studies primarily summarize or describe features of a dataset rather than infer relationships or causation, while qualitative studies typically emphasize non-numerical data and the subjective interpretation of findings. Overall, the nature of surveys as a means of gathering data on individuals' thoughts or behaviors clearly categorizes this method as an observational study.